September 12-17 is #MarineDebris Week. All week long, NOAA’s National Ocean Service and Marine Debris Program are featuring content that explores this global problem. But what, exactly, is marine debris? Marine debris is more than an eyesore. It injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety and poses a threat to human health. Our ocean and waterways are polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Today, there is no place on Earth immune to this problem. A majority of the trash and debris that covers our beaches comes from storm drains and sewers, as well as from shoreline and recreational activities such as picnicking and beachgoing. Abandoned or discarded fishing gear is also a major problem because this trash can entangle, injure, maim and drown marine wildlife and damage property. Find what NOAA is doing to fight this global problem, and how you can help, at marinedebris.noaa.gov. Pictured here: NOAA divers rescue a green sea turtle entangled in derelict fishing gear in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Credit: NOAA. @noaaocean @noaadebris #MarineDebris